Forest fires sweeping through south

2 found dead

September 11, 2001

MARSEILLE, FRANCE — Hundreds of firefighters, backed by aircraft, helicopters and bulldozers, battled a series of forest fires Monday that have ravaged parts of southeastern France, fire service officials said.

Two elderly people were found dead in the charred wake of a fire that had swept rapidly through 500 acres of woodland in a built-up area near the Mediterranean port city of Marseille.

"It seems to be a couple who were leading a life of self-sufficiency, surrounded by animals, in a Second World War bunker," a fire service official said. He added it was unclear whether the couple had died of smoke inhalation or burns.

While in some areas the blazes, spread by strong Mistral winds, appeared to be under control or extinguished, the coastal fire flared mid-afternoon, forcing about 165 people to be evacuated from nearby housing estates and camping sites.

"It is a big fire. All possible means are being employed. Two fire engines have already been burnt," said a fire service spokesman in the Bouches-du-Rhone region.

About 500 firemen and six water-dumping aircraft were fighting the flames, and by evening TV crews reported the blaze was largely under control.

However, with winds still blowing hard, firefighters would remain on alert throughout the night.

Elsewhere, fires that destroyed more than 2,000 acres of forest near Castellet were said to be under control.